It’s Monday, April 15, 2024.
Good morning, Boulder. I hope your weekend was full of electricity.
Today, we’re covering the city’s Vision Zero plan, first implemented in 2014, which aims to eliminate severe crashes by 2030. There hasn’t been a decrease in severe crashes, as 10 years of data show. However, officials remain optimistic as more projects are completed. Just this past year, improvements at the intersection of 30th and Colorado and a new protected bike lane on Baseline should theoretically reduce the risk for cyclists and pedestrians. The next major road to be revamped will be Iris Avenue, with designs for the street’s overhaul to be released later this month. Time is of the essence. Just this weekend, a truck driver hit and seriously injured a cyclist in a hit-and-run incident.
Also, High Country is a new restaurant coming to Pearl Street, formerly the location of Hapa Sushi before it moved farther west. With the goal of serving both those winding down after a day in the mountains and those gearing up to watch the Buffs, if High Country succeeds, it could be a hit with a broad swath of Boulderites. The menu features double-stacked burgers, veggie options and hand-cut fries for everyone.
If you’re new here or otherwise missed our ongoing Xcel power outage reporting, find it here.
Have a lovely day.
— Tim, reporter
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Featured stories
Boulder sees no drop in severe traffic crashes in 2023. City officials are optimistic upcoming safety projects will change that.
More projects like the protected bike lane along Baseline Avenue are in the queue. Iris Avenue is next on the list. Continue reading…
High Country restaurant opens on Boulder’s Pearl Street: A new destination for post-adventure dining and pre-game eats
Spearheaded by the team behind Gemini, High Country is set to open on April 22, and will focus on Colorado craft food and beverages, ideal for those looking to refuel after outdoor activities or jumpstart their evening out. Continue reading…
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In other news
A week of showers
Although the temperatures promise to be inviting, each afternoon this week has a decent chance of rain. A plus is that the moisture will bring plant life bursting forth, accelerating the green-up that’s already started. A downside is that it will also give mosquitoes ample space to procreate. If you have areas that collect standing water, now is a good time to cover them or turn them over.
Cyclist hit by a truck driver in hit-and-run
On Saturday, a driver of a truck hit a cyclist on Valmont Road and didn’t stop. Thanks to cameras, witness statements and police work, the truck driver was found about three hours later and arrested on multiple charges, including reckless driving, vulnerable road user, vehicular assault and leaving the scene of an accident. As of Saturday, the cyclist remained in the hospital with serious injuries. This unfortunately reflects today’s story on Vision Zero and the city’s quest for safer roads.
Emergency landing on Hwy 287
On Sunday around 3:00 p.m., a small Cessna aircraft made an emergency landing on Hwy 287, just north of Niwot Road. The pilot, a 36-year-old male, managed the landing after experiencing mechanical issues mid-flight. No injuries were reported to the pilot or anyone on the ground. Emergency services cleared the aircraft from the roadway. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident to determine the cause.
Apply Now for 2024 Pollinator Advocates Program
Cool Boulder, a city-sponsored initiative, has opened applications for its Pollinator Advocate Program. Those selected will get free training to become leaders in fostering safe habitats for pollinators. Graduates receive certification and an array of native plants from Harlequin’s Gardens.
For those who want more details before applying, we wrote about the program last year around this time. The main idea is that as we’ve paved and built our way across the landscape — and planted non-native plants — local birds and bees have been left without the food sources they evolved with. If each household, each garden, transitioned some of their space to native plants, those critters would be less in danger of disappearing altogether.
“Boulder’s urban setting, as in urban settings across the country, has become completely bereft of native habitat that our insects and songbirds recognize,” said Andrea Montoya, who leads the program, to the Boulder Reporting Lab. “Everything is covered in concrete, with row after row of lawns covered in Kentucky bluegrass. There’s no place for these insects to find a home.”
You can apply to become a pollinator advocate now. You’ll be notified if you’ve been accepted by May 15, with training starting in June.
Share your wildfire safety views with Boulder’s fire chief
Boulder is inviting the community to attend a virtual webinar on April 25, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., to discuss the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Led by wildland fire chief Brian Oliver of Boulder Fire-Rescue, the event will inform residents about wildfire risks to the town and mitigation efforts both ongoing and planned.
“We encourage the community to attend this important webinar and give their input about how the city should plan, fund, and implement wildfire risk mitigation efforts,” Oliver said. “This is an important topic to help prepare our city for wildfires. This work impacts everyone who lives, works or recreates in Boulder.”
With the CWPP nearing completion by June, community input is crucial for effective wildfire preparedness. You can register now for the webinar.
Boulder hosts immigration and business event to ’empower’ newcomers
On April 20, the city and CU Law School will host an immigration information event from 9:45 a.m. to noon at city council chambers. Immigrants in the area can learn about starting businesses as non-citizens.
“Given the recent growth in newcomers arriving in our region, immigration and work status have been subjects of community concern and conversation,” said equity policy advisor Ana Silvia Avendaño Curiel. “It is important for the City of Boulder to empower our immigrant community with vital information to help people become aware of possible paths they can take.”
Led by associate dean and clinical law professor at the University of Colorado Law School, Violeta Chapin, the event will have Spanish interpretation available. Child-friendly activities will be provided. The session is the third in the series, with the first two — which were recorded — covering immigration status and immigration in higher education.
Dig into Earth Week: Boulder to screen eco soil film and host green-themed events
Boulder is inviting the community to explore regenerative agriculture and climate solutions through several events during Earth Week. A free screening of “Common Ground” will take place on April 21 at eTown Hall. The film, by the same people who made the documentary “Kiss the Ground,” is also about the soil but, if the trailer is to be believed, is even more focused on solutions.
“We are excited to host this screening as part of our Earth Day celebrations and to hear from local farmers about how regenerative agriculture can impact us here in Boulder,” said director of climate initiatives Jonathan Koehn. “Through this event, we hope to introduce our community to the power of regenerative agriculture and inspire a deeper connection to the land.”
Also, you can plant trees at Metacarbon Farm on April 20 and 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You’ll be getting down in the dirt, so wear sturdy clothes and gloves. Tools will be provided, as well as live music and local food. If you’re going, make sure to RSVP.
Two events between Boulder youth and police
Boulder’s Youth Opportunities Advisory Board and police department are collaborating on two events aimed at fostering dialogue between youth and officers. Teens ages 13 to 18 are invited to participate.
Teen townhall: April 23, 5-7:30 p.m., at Park Central Building.
Boulder Police Department youth open house: May 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Boulder Police Department headquarters.
The initiative stems from the city’s Reimagine Policing Plan.
BRL’s to-do list
Explore ALL upcoming events in Boulder. If you have something to promote, use the self-submission form on our events page, for free.
Wednesday | Park Yoga at Eben G. Fine Park | 6-7 p.m.
“Join us every Wednesday for Yoga in the Park at Eben G Fine Park from 6:00-7:00 pm. ALL LEVELS WELCOME.”
Saturday, Sunday | Bluebird Musical Festival | Time depends on day
“The Bluebird Music Festival returns to Macky Auditorium in Boulder, Colorado on April 20th & 21st for its 6th year! The festival features three separate events over two days.”
Saturday, Sunday | Learn Natural Beekeeping | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
“Our weekend of workshops is for the Bee Guardian who wants to dive in, experience and learn as much as possible toward getting started with bees.”
Saturday, Sunday | Operatizers | Time depends on day
“Experience the rich tapestry of North American operatic storytelling with our program of short operas. Delve into the uncertainty of dating, the complexities of unhappily married couples, the turmoil of a conflicted bride, and the intricate dynamics of romantic relationships.”
Sunday | CU NASA-Funded Kite & Drone Expo | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“This NASA-funded event is part of the AEROKATS and ROVER Education Network (AREN) whose mission is to introduce NASA technologies and practices in authentic, experiential learning environments.”
Sunday | 2024 Left Hand Half Marathon & 5k Fun Run | 7:30 a.m.
“The Half-Marathon and 5k will start and finish on the north side of the Left Hand Beer Garden, and will follow the St. Vrain Greenway to the east. The course is out and back following the same trail back from the 6.55 mile turnaround point.”
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Explore ALL upcoming events in Boulder. If you have something to promote, use the self-submission form on our events page, for free.
